3.23.2011

Week 1: Book Review: Knitted Flowers

Since it is now officially spring, I thought it would be quite fitting to choose the book Knitted Flowers by Nicky Epstein for my first review and giveaway.

I know that not everyone reading this is a knitted flower type of person.

I happen to like them though. When I first started knitting in 2002 I really really liked them.

Back then I knit and crocheted tons of flowers and attached them to hats, scarves, baby booties, purses.. Everything.

I haven't knit a flower in awhile, and I probably am not as excited by them as I used to be.. but I still definitely think they have a wonderful application.

I happen to have a 5 year old girl in my home who loves all things pink, frilly and princess-like, so I will most likely be knitting up more flowers for her knitted accessories as the years go on.

So if you are a knitted flower type of person, you will really enjoy this book by Nicky Epstein.

I have to say, I have always thought that Nicky Epstein was a remarkable designer. She is very inventive and comes up with very unusual and interesting ideas. I own several of her books and I use them regularly.

In this book, Knitted Flowers, she offers a variety of flower designs using different techniques. I find myself especially drawn to her felted flowers. I think they are quite beautiful.

I've also always been attracted to her "Wallflower" pattern.

The mohair yarn and the tiny pearl in the center is so delicate and feminine.

Aside from the multitude of flower pattern instructions, there are also patterns included for larger garments and accessories on which to attach the flowers to. Such as a pillow, wrap, bag and poncho.

Nicky also offers many ideas of how to use and attach the flowers to various non knitted accessories such as a belt or shoes, or even as a pin on a jacket.

To sum up everything, I think that this is an interesting book full of lots of fun ideas surrounding the subject of knitted flowers. It's a beautifully presented 133 page publication full of lovely large photographs and easy to read instructions. Additionally, the back of the book contains pages of helpful information such as technique and abbreviation explanation, templates, and schematics.

I like and would use many of the flowers pictured, but since this book was originally printed in 2006, some of the yarns used in the samples are somewhat outdated at this point.

For instance..... This.

Many flowers are shown in novelty yarns which we don't see as much of in 2011 as we did back in 2006.

That doesn't mean that these "novelty" flowers wouldn't look totally different knit up in a different yarn though.

But for myself, as a strictly non-novelty-yarn-knitter, coming face to face with a picture like this can be a little unsettling.

But furry, sparkly, ribbon-y, multicolored, shiny yarn might just be your thing, and if it is.. there are many flowers in here that you will love. :)

So guess what? I am giving away this book to one of you!

If you would like to enter to win this brand new copy of Knitted Flowers provided by Sixth and Spring Publishing, please leave a comment under this post.

I've been wanting to learn how to knit flowers since my wedding. I wanted to knit a bouquet, but I couldn't figure it out. Anyway, I have other projects in mind for knit flowers. I hope I win. I might knit a bouquet just for fun.

Like you, when I began knitting, flowers were my obsession. I made up my own patterns and looked for books with knitted flowers inside ! This book, looks amazing. I would love to accessorize sweaters, bags, headbands (the possibilities are endless!) with these flowers. SO so beautiful :)

I don't use knitted flowers too much for myself - I like to add them to things I make for my nieces - but I really like the felted flowers. It looks like a great book.Also, I have to say that I was disappointed to hear you wouldn't be podcasting as much, but I like the new stuff you've been doing with the blog. The new direction is a good one I think.bowmanrach@gmail.com

It sounds so interesting! I am still learning a lot about knitting but am falling in love with it more and more every day and I can just imagine my one year old all decked out in knitted flowers! Thanks for the great review :)

I have never been really big in knitted flowers and such, but I too am mother to a young girl who would absolutely adore this type of thing. She loves to dress up and adorn herself with all things "pretty".

I have a granddaughter who loves "all things pink".To quote what you said,Alana.I used t crochet flowers way back when.I just bought a pattern my granddaughter picked out for a flower chain..I want to try flowers first.Great Give A Way.

I just knit a chemo cap for a special friend and embellished it with a simple flower of my own design. I see some beautiful ones in this collection that would have been lovely options. I'd love to have this book!

I would love to learn how to knit flowers, as I cannot crochet (yet!) and have wanted to adorn some items with flowers. I had no idea that this option was available to me!!KateLeMay on Ravelry.PS I have just discovered your podcast and am enjoying catching up :)

I've always been intrigued by knit and crocheted flowers but never have attempted them. This might also be a good way to ease myself into felting, which I've never had the courage to attempt. Would love the book. It would cause me to stretch my knitting experience.

I am such a sucker for knitted flowers. Always have been. And I would redo some of those novelty yarn patterns using some more "plain jane" yarn! I have browsed through this book before and love the creative ideas Epstein offers.

OOOh I have loved book but I was just learning to knit when it came out(.... no it was probably 2008 when I discovered Nicki's book) and I didn't get it then but you have reminded me!!! The flowers are SO charming and I have SO many things to embellish for baby and Toddler gifts, maybe my felted french slippers OR.... Thanks Alana! If I don't win it, I'll have to go get it quick :)

achastant@gmail.comI have just started to get into flower knitting. What a simple way to add so much to knitted items. So very cute on anything baby girl! Great for bags, sweaters, scarves, etc!!! I would love this book!Thanks for offering this great give away!